Keep the UConn Torrington campus open

When the state of Connecticut decides to cut higher education in its far corner in order to meet the demands of a bloated budget, it’s time to start re-examining its priorities. After all, part of the strength of any state is its work force, and the more ways it can educate that group, the better off it will be. But maybe now that both jobs and workers are migrating from Connecticut more often than they are entering it, the state must set its sights on short-term savings to sacrifice its future.

There is an argument being made that too few students are affected by the proposed closing of the Torrington campus of the University of Connecticut to keep it open. According to university spokesperson Stephanie Reitz, and as noted by reporter Patrick Sullivan in this newspaper (see page A1), there are 136 students currently enrolled at UConn Torrington (88 full time), as opposed to 800 at the Waterbury campus, the next closest choice of the five regional campuses for students from the Northwest Corner. That’s a long drive at any time, but especially for those students who take classes late in the day in order to work while going to school. And isn’t that part of the goal of the statewide campuses, to make college accessible to those who face financial obstacles in continuing their education? 

Those in northwestern Connecticut who take advantage of the UConn Torrington campus offerings may be small in number, but so is the population where they live as compared to the larger urban campus areas. Where would these students be able to go for college courses besides the Waterbury campus? Their geographic location gives them access to New York and Massachusetts educational opportunities as well. Yet the closest schools in those states are also long drives, such as Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie and Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield (though there is a South County Center in Great Barrington.) 

There is also, of course, Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC) in Winsted, which has varied courses of study, including not only its successful nursing program but also the two-year courses in technology, the arts, literature, education, finance and more. Its student enrollment exceeds 1,700, making it apparently the more welcoming destination. But should it be the only one in the region, especially with the cuts in state funding it will also be facing? 

Many students in the area have over the years been able to begin, continue or complete their bachelor’s degree college courses at UConn Torrington. While the agricultural program would continue even if the campus closes, will that alone keep students living and working in the Northwest Corner? UConn Torrington should be given the chance to continue to serve the communities of northern Litchfield County with a reassessment of its offerings, complementing those available at NCCC. Mayor of Torrington Elinor Carbone wrote an eloquent letter to the UConn Board of Trustees, asking them to reconsider keeping her city’s campus open, offering ways to make it more connected to the community at large and develop a downtown presence. 

With the city of Torrington willing to help the school engage with more students, and help create an increased awareness of the programs offered at UConn Torrington, the state should find a way to keep the campus open. Now is not the time to give young people one more reason to feel unwelcome in any part of Connecticut, especially those who want to further their education and set down roots here.

If you agree, contact our state legislators and let them know: 

State Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64), 1-800-842-8267

State Sen. Clark Chapin (R-5), 1-800-842-1421